Born in a castle around the year 990, John Gualberto’s parents were from a very noble and wealthy family who paid for John and his older brother to receive a good education in academics and the Catholic faith, but John wasn’t very concerned with any of that; he preferred the vain pursuits of romance and entertainment. Tragically, John’s brother was murdered and John vowed revenge. He tracked down and cornered the murderer in a narrow alley on Good Friday. John drew his sword, but the murderer got down on his knees and begged for mercy in the name of the Lord’s Passion. John sheathed his sword, hugged the man, forgave him, and then went to a monastery to pray. He was overwhelmed with a divine grace and became a Benedictine monk.
CHALLENGE
St. John Gualberto was never ordained, but through the graces of the Holy Spirit that he received that day, he went on to form his own order that followed the Benedictine Rule and started a monastery and five abbeys. Forgiveness can bring powerful graces to your life. Is there someone in your life who you still haven’t forgiven? Is their crime against you greater than murder? Forgive them today, no matter their offense. And pray for the grace of healing, for both of you.
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Want to learn more about the Order of Mercy, also known as the Mercedarians? Mercy, Ransom, Redemption is a compilation of short stories about Mercedarian saints, blesseds, brothers, priests, and third order members of the Order.